Step by Step Guide to Upgrading Your Kitchen Sink
A full kitchen reno is one of the most exciting home improvement projects, but we’re not going to lie - it’s tough work. It’s stressful work. And ultimately, a full kitchen makeover is expensive work.
Want to know the best way to elevate the look and feel of your kitchen without the headache and cost of a full kitchen renovation?
A brand-spanking new, beautiful kitchen sink. The best part? You can even DIY the installation!
Upgrading your kitchen sink is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective way to breathe new life into your kitchen, without breaking the bank or causing a divorce.
A new kitchen sink can enhance your cabinets and countertops, but also create added functionality to your kitchen, especially if you choose a sink that’s deeper, has accessories like drainers and cutting boards, or is easier to clean than your last one.
Read more: 9 Pitfalls of Sink Replacement in Australia
1.Consider the Space You’re Working With
When choosing a new kitchen sink, you first want to look at the dimensions you’re working with. Are you finding a sink that’ll perfectly slot into the bench as is? Or do you want a bigger sink and therefore need a bigger hole cut out (if that’s the case you might want to consider hiring a kitchen sink fitter)? Once you know your sink dimension, you can start thinking about finding the perfect sink.
2. Choose the Right Material (& Aesthetic)
You want a kitchen sink that’s durable and will stand the test of time (and lots of use). The strongest and most durable kitchen sink is constructed from stainless steel. Stainless steel has the following benefits:
- High-tensile strength
- Corrosion-resistant
- Heat and temperature resistant
- Very durable
- Low maintenance
- Stylish appearance
- Recyclable
It’s important to note that stainless steel is gauged on its thickness. The thicker the stainless steel, the more durable the sink is. The thicker stainless steel has a lower gauge number, whilst the thinner stainless steel has an elevated gauge number.
A good quality stainless steel sink has a gauge number of 18, which is about 1.2mm thick. A higher quality stainless steel sink such as what we use on our Buildmat sinks would have a gauge of 16, which is around 1.5mm thick.
Buildmat also has a range of kitchen sinks in different colours and styles - so you can really go wild and find your dream aesthetic. From single to double sink bowls, to drainboard sinks and tap landing sinks, brushed gunmetal sinks to on-trend brushed brass gold sinks, we have the best range of thick stainless steel sinks.
You’ll also want to find the right faucet to match your beautiful new sink - you can shop Buildmat’s matching range here.
Shop Kitchen Mixers Taps
Pull Out Dual Spray and Gooseneck Mixer Taps
3. Get Organised Before Installing
After you’ve found the perfect sink and ordered it in, the next part is to decide if you’ll be doing a DIY job or hiring a professional. It’s totally up to you.
If you’ll be doing it yourself, the next step is to get organised, which includes removing everything under your sink, and setting up an area next to it with the tools and parts you’ll be using all laid out. Keeping everything organised and having it handy will make the process much more seamless.
The tools you’ll need will depend on the manufacturer and kitchen sink style, but a set of wrenches and a screwdriver are pretty much a guaranteed necessity.
OTHER TOOLS
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Stanley knife or something similar
- Jigsaw (if expanding your sink hole)
- Silicone sealant
- Old towel and a bucket
STEP 1: REMOVE YOUR OLD SINK
You’ll have to remove your old sink before installing a new one. First, turn off both the cold water supplies to remove your sink. Then, using the adjustable wrench, disconnect the supply lines and the drainpipe that attaches to the house sewage system. Drain any remaining water and put a bucket beneath the sink.
Next, you’ll remove the p-trap and drain pipes from beneath the sink. Then, remove the metal clips and trim the caulk. Finally, take out your old sink and scrape away any caulk and clean the worktop.
STEP 2: INSTALL YOUR NEW SINK
- If you’re matching up your new sink to your old sinkhole, it’s a good idea to start by test matching the new sink into the cut-out and ensuring waste pipes line up correctly.
- We recommend installing the sink first with a silicone sealant or non-setting compound and then installing the faucet. Simply place the sink inside the cut-out and seal.
- Once the sink is in pace, tighten the sink retaining clips.
- Install faucets on the new sink and check for leaks
- Re-fit the waste pipework but first check all seals are in good condition and adequately positioned.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Kitchen Sink?
It would take an experienced plumber anywhere from 1-2 hours to replace a kitchen sink, but if you’re doing it yourself, it will take significantly longer. We’d recommend giving yourself a whole day to get it done.
I Need More Help!
Watch this handy YouTube video so you can follow along, or get the help of a trust plumber and kitchen sink fitter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE13i0sBdNI&feature=youtu.be
Shop Buildmat’s Premium Kitchen Sink Range Today
Buildmat's range of premium kitchen sinks perfectly combines style, quality and functionality. Handmade with 1.5mm thick steel for top-level durability, and complete with a finish that'll lessen the appearance of scratches, there's no other sink you'll want in your kitchen. From double bowl sinks to single bowl, drainboard sinks or tap landing sinks, shop Buildmat's superior kitchen sinks today and give your kitchen the love it deserves.
High Quality Kitchen Sinks
See our collection of contemporary-style kitchen sinks.
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